Situation Alert: Flash Floods in Kohistan

Overnight flash floods hit an isolated area of Kohistan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This particular area, Gabrial Union Council and Karang Union Council of Kundian Valley, has been inaccessible by road since last year’s devastating floods. It is approximately 35 kilometers from the closest point where the road is blocked, with some affected areas almost double this distance.

Background:

According to information shared during a meeting with Executive District Officer (EDO) Health and District Coordination Officer (DCO), thirty people are missing and sixteen bodies have been recovered. The death toll is expected to rise.

The government dispatched an initial team by foot; however, since then, two helicopters have been designated to travel back and forth to the affected area.

Health is an immediate need. At this point, shelter does not appear to be an immediate need as the government has sufficient resources. However, after assessment, other possible needs may include food, nonfood items, and evacuation.

CWS-P/A Response:

CWS-P/A has health teams from an ongoing project in other parts of Kohistan which were on standby in case health services were needed. During the meeting with EDO Health and DCO, it was agreed that CWS-P/A would take lead for initial health response. A CWS-P/A male doctor and male dispenser are waiting with emergency medicines to be transported by helicopter to the affected area. At this point in time, a female health worker cannot be deployed due to lack of overnight accommodation in the affected area.

CWS-P/A’s emergency response team is also on standby. The government has yet to launch an appeal for support from donors and the humanitarian community for assistance in other parts of the country which were affected due to heavy rains approximately two weeks ago.